Moving schools again

[Sallyssss]

We have decided to move our 5 yr old into new school (long story, bit basically we moved house and are not happy with her new school). She will be moving in September, does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to manage it? I am so worried.

[cakesaregood]

We moved and then moved again during DS's reception year. We'll probably move again soon.

In our experience the leaving is the hard bit, a bit of positive talk and the odd sticker whilst at the new school has worked wonders and we've wondered what we were worried about.

I did read on MN that moving during the academic year means that the class teacher knows your child is a newbie, ie in September they have 30 children who are all new and 'brand new' children may slip under without the special friend treatment. I'd make sure I met the class teacher properly in the first week to make sure they are aware. It's not being pushy, waiting for the first parent's evening will be too long! We have been very lucky in that our schools have had great, open teachers who welcome parental 'support'!

They are quite tough beings, and if you're not happy, I'm guessing your DS isn't either? Be positive (even if your current experience means that this is difficult:) ) and hopefully she will feed off your positive vibes.

all the best!!

[Sallyssss]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your advice. We have not told her yet, but hoping to this week. We didn't want her to worry about it all summer.

[cakesaregood]

Good idea!! Late enough to prevent brooding, long enough to get used to the idea.

Enjoy the rest of the hols.

[Sallyssss]

I know what you mean about being worried sick - I am not sleeping at night. I just want the very for her and hate to think because we made a poor decision she has to go through upset.

[Sallyssss]

Any other thoughts on this? I am stressing!!

[brassband]

I am moving my DD2 *aged 5) this week for much the same reasons.We have had to move older siblings too at one time or another.IME they are more excited than scared or unhappy.New kids are like a honeypot -everyone wants to play with them.

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

DD (9.3) started at her third school in her third different country a couple of weeks ago. The leaving the last (two) schools were the hardest bits of it TBH. Similar experience to Verity, DD has had two after school plays at other childrens houses and is going to a birthday party (where one child has asked for a Dior make up bag for a present) on Friday. I think it is hardest for the parents.

[Chrysanthemum5]

Hi
DS started at a school last year, but then we got a place at another school that we really wanted him to attend so he has just started there (we are in Scotland). I found we were much more nervous about the transition than he was. I would second what brassband says - new children are exciting.

Is there anyone you know at the school? Could you arrange for your DD to meet up with any of her new classmates before the start of term?

I would also advise making sure the teacher knows your DD is new to the class. That way s/he can keep an eye on her, or maybe assign a buddy to help her settle.

If it is any comfort, DS's teacher said on his second day that he had settled so well you would never know he was a new child. And he has coped brilliantly with the change. DH and I were the nervous wrecks!

Good luck